#who up bein earnest

[thedoctorworm]

not to sound ancient but i had a delicious breakfast of hash and eggs and now im listening to jazz and reading and feeling pleasantly slow and full. i think im mostly making this post as a point of record (for myself almost entirely), that there are good times and there are lots of little joys in life

[nabtime]

Sir Waylon of Gotham

Waylon wasn't much for talkin' to hoity-toity well-to-doers. Didn't much like their attitude. Or the way they looked at 'im. Lookin' down their noses, all pinched-faced and holier-than-thou, like he was the scum of the earth for the way he looked. And while Waylon wouldn't deny that he was scum, it sure weren't for lookin' the way he did. He'd earned that title fair 'n square, through hard work 'n strikin' fear inta the people of Gotham.

And he did that by bitin' they's arms off, not 'cause he was a li'l scaly.

Point was, Waylon didn't talk much with fancy people. Yeah, he talked to the Bat Brood and they could half be considered fancy on account of mostly bein' Waynes under the mask, but they didn't count. Not really. 'Specially their newest petite couyon that liked to swing about in his sewers like the chit owned the place. He didn't know how the kid was added to the family- coulda been adopted, coulda been one a' the other one's partner, coulda been another blood son a popped up outta nowhere 'gain.

Waylon didn't ask and the chit never said. No, all Phantom ever wanted to talk 'bout was how Waylon was doin. Idjit was far too concerned about Waylon's well-bein' when he shoulda been mindin' his own damn business. Kid said it was part a his business. That heroes had to check in on the reformed, make sure they were well and happy so they didn't have a need to get back inta villainy. Waylon wanted to call bullshit on 'im but he just didn't have the heart when the kid looked so earnest 'bout it.

And maybe the kid was swingin' in all the time just to check in on an Old Croc. Maybe even the kid didn't mind bein' 'round 'im an 'is big, scary teeth. Sure it were more likely he needed an escape an' the sewers were a place most Bats didn't venture less they had to, but iffin that were true- kid didn't have to find and talk to him every time.

All this was to say that he'd gotten used to seein' Danny 'round the sewers, and even seein' Jay when the older kid was sent to bring the other back topside.

Who he had not gotten used to seein' in the sewers, though, was a pretty thing all done up in medieval dress and glowin' green. Nor was he used to the hulking Knight done up in glowin' black armor standin' next ta her.

And, again, Waylon wasn't much for talkin' to hoity-toity people, let alone Ghost Royalty or some such, but he was still a man with manners. An' they were in his sewers (well, an' Grundy's, but the big lug weren't here, so's point was moot) so he was haven'ta be the one to greet 'em.

He growl echoed off the stone and muck as he approached the two beings that were floating midair, just above the water. They both looked lost until he fully rose from the grime and addressed them.

"Youins need somethin? Ya lookin fer Danny?"

And, well, Waylon said he had manners. Never said he was gonna use 'em.

"Oh!" said the sweet thing in flowing gown, her voice just as soft as she looked. "Yes! You must be the good Sir Waylon of Gotham that the King speaks so fondly of. I am Princess Dorathea and this is my personal guard, Fright Knight."

Sir Waylon? Now that's not somethin' he's ever heard afore. Him? Deservin' of a title like Sir? Ain't no way. He weren't 'bout to say nothin', but it sure did make him feel all flustery that a noble Lady like her would think so highly of a monster like him.

"Nah I wouldn' say he's 'xactly fond a me, but the name is Waylon, yeah, uh- My Lady."

And she smiled at 'im, sweet as anythin', like he weren't made a sharp edges an spilled blood. The big Knight aside her was actin like that too, posture relaxed as he just let her get closer. Closer an most people ever dared. 'Cept Phantom an some a the Bats. Was it a ghost thing? No fear a death, so whats scary about a big man with sharp teeth anymore?

"Would Sir Phantom be near-abouts?" she asked. "I require his counsel on matters of import."

"Sorry, cher- uh, My Lady," he grumbled, "ain't gotta clue where he's at. Somewhere's topside, prolly."

Her shoulders slumped just the slightest, obviously disappointed in his answer. And try as he might to want to give her a better one, he only knew where the kid was when he wanted to hang around underground. Waylon avoided the streets at all costs these days, not wantin' to risk trouble again. He'd spent enough of his days wastin' away in Arkham and Blackgate, thanks.

The Lady turned thoughtful though and graced him with a tilt of her head and a smile. "Perhaps you would deign to assist me instead, Sir Waylon?"

"Well nah, I'd love ta, My Lady. Supposin' its somethin' I can help ya with."

"Yes," she said, circling around him in a graceful glide, "so long as you are willing, you will suit just fine."

"Ya still haven't told me what ya need help with, ah- My Lady."

Waylon couldn't see the Knight's expression but he could almost feel the amusement pourin' off a him. And he wondered just what the hell he'd agreed to that a guy like that'd find it funny.

"My brother is making moves to take back the Kingdom. He has amassed a small, but skilled contingent of rebels and intends to usurp me at the upcoming Yule Celebration."

"So ya need muscle ta help stop 'im?"

"Oh no," she said, sweet but full of venom- like arsenic. Her grin was now full of teeth, teeth much to sharp for a proper Lady like her, and her eyes turned to glowing reptilian points. "I can take care of him myself. I intended to ask Sir Phantom along as contingency."

She looked him up and down and the Knight standing guard behind her was projectin' a certain smugness as he did the same.

"You, however, Sir Waylon," she said, and the tone near sent a shiver down his spine. "Will do well as both warrior and suitor."

"What say you?"

[going-to-ikea-for-the-fries]

It's a Match! || poly!141 x Reader

[Chapter 20] || [Chapter 22]

Pairing: Gaz x Reader x Ghost x Soap || 141 x gn!Reader Words: 1.2K~ cw: - Summary: While overcoming recent heartbreak, you decide to join Tinder in search of a rebound. Your friends advise to just Swipe Right indiscriminately... What happens when 4 soldiers from the same squad match with you? a/n: yikes.

Chapter 21: I BEG YOUR PARDON?

It was a familiar sight.

Gaz across the desk, Soap next to him behind the spare chair, Ghost in the back of the room a foot against the wall and arms crossed.

Except this time, Price was standing up, pacing the narrow space behind his desk, from the window to the wall.

“Explain it to me slow.” He demanded. “Like I’m five years old.” He had his arms crossed over his chest as he paced.

“Well, when Ma and Da love each other very much-” Soap began.

“Soap, I will put your head through the bloody wall.” Price threatened.

The shit-eating grin that had been on the Scot’s mouth was suppressed by a pressing of lips together, rapid blinking, and a nod. He had tried and failed at having a laugh at the Captain’s expense.

“Sorry, sir.” He replied.

“Explain.” Price demanded again, hands folded behind his back.

“I started it.” Ghost said from his corner of the room. “Kept talkin’ with ‘em after you had your little one-night stand.”

The younger sergeants didn’t look over. It’s become a strange thing to see Ghost at work, when they’ve gotten a bit more familiarized with Simon instead, back in your flat.

“Why?” Price asked in earnest as he looked at Ghost, stopping in his tracks to properly face him.

“‘Cause they make me feel good.” Ghost replied and crossed his arms.

Price stared at Ghost and, for a moment, his glare softened and his brow relaxed. “I see.”

With a deep breath, the older man tossed himself down onto his desk chair, legs spread and hands resting on his thighs.

“That doesn’t explain the two of you lot.” He pointed at Gaz and Soap.

“I found out about Ghost dating ‘em after they reached out to me to check on him because he went MIA.” Gaz replied.

“And how does that in you bein’ a bloody… polycule?” Price asked.

“I sort of took ‘em on a date on accident and realized how they made me feel and that I wanted to date ‘em.” Gaz said simply.

“And I thought Gaz and Ghost were dating and then found out they’re in fact also dating the same person and not just each other and-” Soap began to explain.

“Pump the breaks.” Price demanded. “Dating each other?” He repeated, sounding like he was this close to blowing a gasket.

“Nicely done, mate.” Gaz said sarcastically and hid his face in his palm, accidentally dislodging his baseball hat from his head.

“I BEG YOUR PARDON? YOU BLOODY FUCKIN’ IDIOTS ARE DATIN’ EACH OTHER?” Price raised his voice and stood up swiftly, sending the chair rolling back against the cabinets behind him.

When no one replied, he glared specifically at Ghost in the back of the room who, himself, was looking off to the side and looked at Price with an incriminating gaze..

“SIMON’S IN YOUR DIRECT CHAIN OF COMMAND!” Price scolds… Soap and Gaz only. “DO YOU KNOW THE TROUBLE THAT CAN BRING?!”

The three men remain silent, eyes forced open out of worry that blinking again will just set the captain off some more.

“IT’S ALREADY BAD ENOUGH THAT YOU’RE ALL DIPPIN’ YOUR DAMN COCKS IN THE SAME HOLE LIKE THEY’RE SOME SORT OF BARRACKS BUNNY BUT-” Price continued his tirade.

“Calm down.” Ghost commanded as he pushed away from the wall and approached the desk.

“Simon, don’t you tell me to calm down.” John ordered, though his voice sounded a lot more calm indeed.

“I’ll tell you to calm down if I reckon I should.” Ghost quipped and set his hand on the edge oof the desk, using his height to go toe-to-toe with their boss.

“You had fun with ‘em too, didn’t you?” Ghost asked with a cocked brow.

“That’s neither here nor there-”

“Cut the bullshit. Answer the bloody question.” Ghost commanded.

“I did.” Price admitted with a grumble and looked away.

“We’re just enjoyin’ ourselves too.” Ghost replied. “They’re considerate, funny, good company…” He trailed off.

“And they have a bloody flat that we can spend time in, with a proper kitchen for good meals, and a proper bedroom with a comfortable bed, and a proper shower that doesn’t have 20 other blokes bum ass naked-” Gaz joked.

“Right, it’s only 2 other blokes instead.” Soap added and him and Gaz nudged each other, earning a stern glare from the two officers in the room.

“Point is-” Ghost replied as he looked at Price. “You saw they’re nice.” He said directly. “Can’t fault us for likin’ ‘em.” He said directly.

“No, but I can fault you idiots for bein’ involved with each other on TOP of ‘em.” Price argued.

“Okay, so it’s not our proudest moment-” Ghost acknowledged. “But it’s happenin’. And you need to keep your mouth shut.” He demanded.

“OF BLOODY COURSE I’M KEEPIN’ MY MOUTH SHUT, SIMON! Fuckin’ hell!” Price complained and threw his hands up before turning to grab a cigar from his case.

“The brass will have all our bollocks f’r breakin’ nonfraternization rules. You f’r doin’ it, me f’r knowin’ it.” He grumbled as he cut the tip of his cigar with a huff.

“Not to mention I’ve been involved in this mess to begin with ‘cause I let you lot talk me into havin’ a one-night stand with ‘em.” Price continued, murmuring under his breath and scolding them without really scolding them.

“I can never get a ’old of you lot noawadays.” Price explained. “You’re meant to be on call.” He reiterated. “Always reachable. Always ready to fly out.”

“Yet I had to call Soap over 40 times two weeks ago ‘cause he was ‘asleep’-” He continued his rant.

“Aye, I was.” Soap replied, earning a shush from Gaz and a smack on the arm.

“And the moment we dismiss you lot from debriefs or meetings, you’re all running off to go be with ‘em, ‘xcept I didn’t know that was the reason until now, and it’s so much bloody worse than I ‘xpected.” Price complained.

The man was halfway through lighting his cigar and taking a puff when Ghost spoke again.

“If they didn’t find out about Cardiff, London, Cairo, Cabo, or Tel Aviv, they won’t find out now.” Ghost retorted.

Price whipped around so fast the younger lads could swear he’d give himself whiplash. “Don’t you bring that up.” He said to Ghost as he used his cigar to point at Ghost.

“I’m just sayin’.” Ghost replied, completely calm and unbothered. “If the brass hasn’t found out about the shite we’ve done while on the field, they won’t find out about us during leave.” He replied.

“Simon-” Price tried starting before he huffed through his nose and rubbed his eyes with his fingers. Ghost simply shrugged and crossed his arms over his broad chest.

“Bloody fuckin’ ‘ell.” Price complained and sat back down on his chair, setting down his cigar on the lip of the ashtray and rubbing his face.

“Just get out.” He grumbled and waved them off with a dismissive gesture of his hand.

He didn’t peek from the spot where his face was hidden in his hands as he heard the men shuffling around and leaving the office.

Just as the door slipped to a close behind them, he heard Soap asking Ghost: ‘What happened in Cardiff?’

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

taglist (CLOSED! not adding anyone else, sorry!):

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[belovedmuichiro]

I saw a post once that entertained the idea of Tsutako being in the background of Sanemi’s hometown in the anime, and it got me thinking about a sanegiyuu childhood meet cute.

…

- When Giyuu was 13, he took a trip with Tsutako to a neighboring city where her fiancé had come from

- Though Giyuu was a much friendlier person as a child, he was still quiet, reserved and nervous. As a result, being in a bigger city was overwhelming and he struggled to keep up with Tsutako as they walked

- Before they could reach her fiancé’s home, Giyuu was separated from her in a crowd

- Without any people skills to speak of or the confidence to ask for help, Giyuu let the crowd swallow him up until he found a small spot he could cower in

- He ended up hiding under the stairs of a shrine where nobody could see him. He cried so quietly, nobody could possibly hear him either, but a boy did miraculously find him

- The boy was strikingly beautiful with stark white hair and piercing eyes. His presence made Giyuu stop crying almost immediately, but only because he was mesmerized.

- When the boy spoke, he was blunt and sort of rude but Giyuu hung onto every word he said as if he was a kind spirit come to save him

- “You cry like my little siblings,” he observed. It was a simple, random sort of thing to say but it perplexed Giyuu so much that he didn’t cry any longer

- Giyuu learned that this particular shrine is where the boy would find one of his brothers hiding, so when he saw Giyuu curled up, he thought something might’ve happened to him

- Giyuu reluctantly explained he was separated from Tsutako while visiting. In truth, he wasn’t sure if he should trust a stranger but they were clearly of a similar age and that put him at ease compared to an adult

- The boy gave Giyuu a small canteen of water before they could continue because the crying had obviously overwhelmed him. He then asked for the fiancé’s name, which he scowled upon hearing, surprisingly knowing the person

- “Is that bad?” Giyuu nervously asked

- “He’s one of the sons of our landlord,” the boy explained, “He’s fine. His family’s a buncha dicks.”

- Profanities aside, Giyuu asked if he could lead him there, and the boy agreed

- “What did his family do?” Giyuu asked on the way

- “Their kid brother said some shit about my family bein’ too big and my brother got into a fight with him about it.”

- “How big is your family?”

- “Nine of us. I have six siblings.”

- Giyuu learned that his mother had just given birth, which prompted the rude comment from their landlord’s son. He also had a father who he didn’t want to talk about on account of him angering some violent people

- Though the boy didn’t seem terribly interested in prying into Giyuu’s life, he still asked, “What about you?”

- “I just have my sister. My parents died when I was young.”

- “Lucky you have a sister.”

- “Yes… I’m Giyuu, by the way.”

- For a moment, the boy looked hesitant to give anymore details about himself, but must’ve decided he doesn’t have much to lose.

- “Sanemi.”

- On the way to the landlord’s home, it began to rain so Sanemi pulled Giyuu aside near a food stall to wait it out.

- Giyuu, as luck would have it, did have a small amount of money on him and suggested they share a meal.

- Sanemi agreed, not letting on that he rarely has enough money to ever eat out. However, Giyuu became curious when Sanemi awkwardly held his food at his side and wouldn’t take a bite.

- He didnt want to admit it, but his plan was to pocket whatever Giyuu bought him to bring home to his family. He wasn’t going to tell Giyuu, but the boy’s earnest, honest face pulled it out of him

- In response, Giyuu bought him another and asked that he feed himself as well

- When Sanemi finally did eat, Giyuu smiled for the first time. It flustered Sanemi, who quickly learned he couldn’t handle a pretty face

- When the rain ended, people came flooding to the streets in overwhelming numbers that scared Giyuu again

- To reassure him, Sanemi grabbed his hand and returned his earlier smile, promising he’ll be okay as long as they stick together

- Giyuu took to Sanemi with awe. The crowd was still scary, but Giyuu grounded himself in the feeling of his companion’s hand and trusted his word.

- Eventually they did find themselves at the landlord’s house. Most of the family was out looking for Giyuu, but luckily Tsutako stayed and was there to greet him.

- This was also a relief to Sanemi, who wasn’t sure he would be able to resist driving his fist into the face of the boy who fought with Genya

- Sanemi intended to leave with no commotion, just an odd empty feeling at the notion of leaving his new acquaintance, but Giyuu stopped him

- “Thank you for helping me,” he said with much more confidence than the first time he spoke. “You’re very kind, Sanemi.”

- Sanemi, flustered, shrugged and promised it was no problem. “Couldn’t just leave ya there…”

- “Maybe we’ll see each other again.”

- When Giyuu said this, he held onto the hope that because Tsutako new husband had close ties to Sanemi’s, they would surely meet again one day

- It was hard to explain but Giyuu felt drawn to Sanemi, like he was a special person he was meant to meet

- Of course, he couldn’t predict the tragedy that would befall both of them

- Years later, long after Tsutako and the Shinazugawa family were murdered, Sanemi was welcomed into the Hashira and finally met Giyuu again

- Only this time, he was quiet and cold. He didn’t give any indication that he remembered Sanemi and didn’t have any of the kindness he was full of as a child. Sanemi decided that he must’ve turned into a conceited ass with no time for the little people, he probably didn’t even remember him.

- But it was impossible for Giyuu to forget who Sanemi was. Even under all the scars and curses, he was still the boy who saved him that day. But Giyuu knew they had fundamentally changed as people, and clearly Sanemi wanted nothing to do with him any longer

- Unfortunately for them, the draw remains there no matter how far apart they try to drift.

[awkward-walking-potato]

Can I request a one shot for how Logan react to his shy gender neutral crush who always offer to help him whenever they think he needs it please?

Logan wasn’t used to people offering to help him—let alone someone like you, who was quiet, shy, and always seemed to linger in the background. You had a habit of stepping forward whenever you thought he needed a hand, whether it was something small like grabbing tools in the garage or volunteering to go on a mission with him. It wasn’t that Logan needed the help; he’d been self-reliant for longer than most people had been alive. But the way you offered—so genuine, so earnest—made him pause every time.

It didn’t hurt that he’d started to develop a soft spot for you.

Logan noticed you before you approached, as always. He was working on his motorcycle, crouched down, tightening bolts when he heard your soft footsteps behind him. He didn’t turn around, but he could sense your presence hovering, just like you always did when you were gearing up to offer your help.

"Hey, Logan," you said quietly, your voice barely above a whisper, though he heard it clear as day. "Need a hand with that?"

He glanced over his shoulder, his sharp blue eyes meeting yours. He could see the slight nervousness in your expression, the way your hands fidgeted just a little. You always got a bit shy around him, though Logan couldn’t figure out why. You were one of the few people who made him feel calm, maybe even a little less like the gruff, lone wolf he’d spent most of his life being.

"Nah, I got it," he said, though his voice wasn’t as gruff as usual. There was a hint of softness, something reserved just for you. "But I appreciate the offer."

You nodded, looking like you weren’t quite ready to leave yet. Logan had noticed that too—you always stuck around, even when he turned down your help. Like you were waiting for another chance to jump in. And as much as Logan wasn’t used to needing anyone, he couldn’t deny he liked having you nearby.

"You don’t gotta help me all the time, y’know," Logan said, leaning back on his heels as he wiped his hands on a rag. "You don’t owe me nothin'."

Your face flushed slightly, and you glanced down, nervously playing with the hem of your shirt. "I just… I like helping. And… I like being around you."

That made Logan pause, his gaze softening as he watched you. It wasn’t the first time he’d noticed the way you always found excuses to be near him, but hearing you say it aloud? That was different. His heart gave a little jolt, something unfamiliar but not unwelcome.

"You like bein' around me, huh?" he asked, his voice low, more teasing than usual.

You nodded quickly, though your eyes remained fixed on the ground, too shy to meet his gaze.

Logan stood up slowly, dusting his hands off before stepping closer to you, close enough that you had to tilt your head slightly to look up at him. He wasn’t trying to intimidate you, but there was something about the way you got all flustered around him that made him want to test the waters.

"You know, most people don’t go out of their way to help me," he said, his voice still gentle but tinged with curiosity. "So why you always offerin'? What’s in it for you?"

You swallowed, clearly nervous, but you met his gaze for the first time, your voice soft but sincere. "I don’t need anything in return. I just… care about you. And I like being there for you."

Logan’s heart did another unexpected flip at your words, and for a moment, he didn’t know what to say. He wasn’t used to this—having someone care about him just because they wanted to. But looking at you, standing there all shy and honest, he realized he didn’t mind it one bit.

A small, rare smile tugged at the corner of his lips. "Well, darlin', if you wanna be around, I ain’t gonna stop ya."

Your eyes widened a little, surprised by his response, but a shy smile slowly spread across your face. "Really?"

Logan chuckled softly, reaching out to ruffle your hair gently—a small gesture, but one that said more than words. "Really. 'Sides, it’s kinda nice havin' someone lookin' out for me for a change."

Your smile brightened, and Logan felt a warmth in his chest that he hadn’t expected. Maybe having you around wasn’t just nice—it was something he’d come to look forward to.

[the-travelling-witch]

summary: a pouty demon has become part of your nighttime routine

pairing: mammon x gn!reader

warnings: fluff with mentions of insecurities (skin/appearance related)

obey me! masterlist

“Babe, how much longer are ya goin’ to take?” Mammon whined from behind you, his pout reflecting in the large bathroom mirror.

“I’ve only just finished with cleansing.” Turning off the faucet, you gently dabbed a towel over your face, watching the demon with affectionate eyes. “But everything else shouldn’t take too long.”

“Why d’ya have to do all of this anyway?” Apparently not content with your answer, he stepped closer to you and cut himself off with a yawn. “Just come to bed.”

You’d think that, as a model, Mammon would understand the importance of skincare but, to your annoyance, he was one of those guys who seemingly splashed their face with water and still had the perfect complexion.

Could demons also be god’s favourites? One glance over his shirtless form definitely swayed your answer towards ‘yes’.

“No, this is important. Especially if you keep sitting me down for a bowl of spicy late-night ramen,” you sighed. By now, Mammon had closed the gap between the two of you, his arms comfortably circled around your waist and his cheek squished against the top of your head. “Besides, I finally want to be free of these blemishes and look good too.”

Immediately, Mammon stood straight and held you a little tighter. The angelic eyes looking at you through the mirror were earnest and genuine as he spoke with a bewildered tone, almost as if what you had said never occurred to him.

“But yer already so pretty! How could ya get any more stunnin’ than this?”

That was what you loved about him. Despite his usually tsundere behaviour, he never failed to compliment you with his entire heart behind it. Having someone so sincerely tell you you were beautiful, while you wore an old shirt of his as pyjama, had no makeup on and had your insecurities out in the open like this, it made you start believing it too.

A thought that was kinda terrifying.

But you had no time to go teary-eyed or worry about whether you were starting to become too conceited or delusional. Not with this demon around. Before you could say something, Mammon had already swooped down, snowy hair obscuring part of your vision, and planted a sweet kiss onto your cheek. Both the surprise of his action and the visual of his face scrunched up in disgust as he tasted the toner on his lips made you laugh, shushing the voices in your head.

“That one’s on you, I already told you not to do that when I’m doing my routine,” you giggled. Then, you twisted in his hold and returned an equally affectionate kiss to his cheek. “Thank you so much though. Hearing that means a lot.”

“Don’t look at me like that! Just hurry up, so we can go to bed!” Though he averted his eyes, you could still feel the heat radiating off his face and you suppressed another laugh. He really was too cute for his own good.

Even though he’d complained a lot about the lengthiness of your little ritual, he still attentively watched you work, offering his concerns about the colour of a hot pink serum (“Should ya really be puttin’ that on yer face?”) and having his eyes nearly pop out of their sockets when you casually mentioned one of your creams could bleach clothes or hair.

“Well, good thing your hair is already white and you’re already shirtless,” you joked as you finished putting on your moisturiser before turning and looping your arms around his neck. “Because I plan to cuddle you all-night long.”

“Ya’d better! Yer the only human who’d ever make me, the Avatar of Greed, wait, ya know,” Mammon huffed. Contradictory to his words, he had already swooped you up princess-style and set off towards the bedroom.

“Mhm and I am so glad you were generous enough to give me so much of your time. Maybe this,” you put a hand over his heart as he gently lowered you onto the mattress, “is made out of gold after all.”

“Now yer just bein’ cheesy,” Mammon snorted as he crawled under the black sheets with you and pulled you close, the same way a tide would always reach for the shore again and again. “Ya should get some rest before ya say somethin’ even more stupid.”

“But I was just about to confess to the best thing that ever happened to me,” you hummed. When he sceptically raised an eyebrow, you looked him deep in the eyes and smiled. “I love you, Mammon.”

For a fraction of a second his eyes widened in shock before he shut them tightly as he inhaled. When he opened them again, he mirrored your fond smile as a slender finger traced the side of your face.

“I love ya too, treasure.”

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[nemo-writes]

𝗂𝗆𝖺𝗀𝗂𝗇𝖾 𝗍𝗁𝖾 𝗍𝖿 141 + 𝗏𝖺𝗊𝗎𝖾𝗋𝗈𝗌 𝖺𝗌 𝗋𝗈𝗆𝖼𝗈𝗆 𝗍𝗋𝗈𝗉𝖾𝗌 ; 𝗉𝖺𝗋𝗍 𝗍𝗁𝗋𝖾𝖾 ── .✦

── .✦ 𝗀𝖺𝗓; "𝖺 𝗋𝗂𝖼𝗁 𝗉𝖾𝗋𝗌𝗈𝗇 𝖿𝖺𝗅𝗅𝗌 𝗂𝗇 𝗅𝗈𝗏𝖾 𝗐𝗂𝗍𝗁 𝖺 𝗉𝗈𝗈𝗋 𝗆𝗂𝖽𝖽𝗅𝖾 𝖼𝗅𝖺𝗌𝗌 𝗉𝖾𝗋𝗌𝗈𝗇."

it was a quiet evening, the streetlights casting their soft glow on the corner chippy where the two of you always met. you hummed a happy tune as you walked up to your usual table, the heavy scent of fried chicken wafting in the air as you passed kyle his own healthy portion of food.

“i told you, you didn’t have to pay,” kyle said, his tone more exasperated than stern.

“and i told you i like taking care of you,” you teased, your lips quirking into a playful smile as you nudged the box toward him. “besides, don’t act like you don’t enjoy it. you’ve never once said no to free chicken and chips.”

kyle rolled his eyes, but the faint smile tugging at his lips betrayed him. “it’s food. who says no to food?” he countered, reaching for a chip but avoiding your gaze.

“oh, sure,” you said, raising an eyebrow. “because it has nothing to do with the company or the fact you keep tagging along to my weird outings, like that experimental art exhibition last month.”

he groaned, though the flush rising on his cheeks gave him away. “you dragged me to that. i was just bein’ polite.”

you leaned forward, grinning. “polite? darling, you wanted to stay longer and even asked about the ‘existential crisis phase’ of the artist.”

his laugh was soft, and his shoulders relaxed as he shook his head. “maybe I just wanted to make sure you didn’t get lost in all that pretentious nonsense.”

you grinned, nudging him lightly. “face it, you like my taste in food and art.”

his expression softened, the banter fading into a moment of quiet warmth. “maybe i just like you,” he said, the words almost too quiet to catch.

your teasing smile faltered slightly, your heart giving a small, unexpected jolt. “good,” you replied softly, pushing the box of food even closer to him. “now eat before it gets cold.”

he sighed, shaking his head, but you caught the slight tug at the corner of his mouth, the smile he always tried to hide when you fussed over him.

as the two of you dug into your food, the conversation drifted to lighter topics—school memories, funny neighborhood stories—but it wasn’t long before the air shifted. kyle grew quieter, his usual animated demeanor dimming as he pushed his chips around the paper.

“everything alright?” you asked gently, leaning forward.

he hesitated, glancing at you, then back at his food. “it’s just… mum’s got these debts, y’know? they’ve been piling up for a while now, and…” he trailed off, his jaw tightening as he tried to swallow the frustration bubbling under the surface. “i can’t just leave her with all that. i’ve been thinkin’ about enlisting soon, but i don’t know if i can go until she’s sorted.”

your chest ached at the weight in his voice. he was always like this—shouldering burdens without complaint, looking out for everyone else before himself.

“have you talked to her about it?” you asked softly.

he nodded. “she says she’ll manage, but i can see it’s weighing on her. i don’t want to leave her struggling.”

you set your food down, your expression growing serious as you leaned closer. “kyle, you shouldn’t have to carry this all on your own. you’re trying to build a future for yourself—she’d want that for you too.”

he chuckled, wrinkling his nose, though there was no humor in it. “a future? come on, love. not everyone’s got what you’ve got.”

the words stung—not because he meant them to—but because you knew he was right. your family’s wealth was a chasm between you, one you’d always tried to bridge. but this wasn’t about money to you; it was about him.

“if there’s anything i can do to help, please tell me,” you said softly, your tone careful yet earnest.

kyle froze, his fork halting mid-air before clattering onto his plate. he looked up at you, disbelief flickering in his dark eyes, quickly replaced by something sharper—anger.

“help?” he repeated, his voice rising as he set his jaw. “what exactly are you offering, huh? to swoop in and pay off my mum’s debts like it’s pocket change to you?”

you blinked, startled by the sharpness in his tone. “kyle, I didn’t mean—”

he pushed his chair back with a scrape, standing abruptly and towering over the small table. “don’t pretend like you don’t mean it,” he snapped, his voice dripping with frustration. “you’re always treatin’ me, always payin’ for everything, and now you’re what? gonna save the day and solve all my problems with your bloody money?”

“that’s not fair,” you said, voice trembling as you sunk a little deeper into your seat.

“fair?” he barked out a humorless laugh, his hands gripping the edge of the table. “what’s fair about any of this? you sit there, livin’ this perfect life, actin’ all kind and generous like you don’t see the rest of us strugglin’. i don’t need your pity, alright?”

“it’s not pity!” you protested, your voice rising for the first time. “it’s me caring about you. about your mum. you told me you didn’t know how to handle it, so i thought—”

“well, don’t think!” he cut you off, his words laced with frustration. “i don’t need you to fix this for me. i need to prove i can handle it myself. i need—” he stopped, running a hand through his hair and exhaling sharply, his chest rising and falling with the force of his emotions. “i need to do this on my own,” he muttered, his voice quieter but no less tense.

you stared at him, your heart pounding in your chest, caught between understanding his pain and feeling the sting of his words. “kyle,” you said softly, trying one last time to reach him, “you’re not alone in this. please don't push me away.”

but he wouldn’t meet your gaze. instead, he grabbed his jacket from the back of the chair and turned toward the door, his movements quick and jerky. “just… don’t,” he said, his voice strained. “i can’t—” he shook his head, unable to finish the thought, before storming out of the shop without another word.

the door slammed shut, the sound echoing through the small shop and startling the worker at the register. at a nearby table, two teenagers exchanged wide-eyed looks before pretending to focus on their phones, clearly caught eavesdropping on the heated moment.

you sighed heavily, your gaze falling to the half-eaten plates of chicken and chips, now cold and unappetizing. the warmth and easy familiarity of earlier felt like a distant memory, replaced by the bitter sting of kyle’s anger and the helplessness coursing through you.

somewhere out there, kyle was wrestling with his pride, his fear, and his feelings for you, but tonight, the weight of it all had created a wall you couldn’t break through. for now, all you could do was hope he’d let you in before it was too late.

. . .

kyle stood in the small, cozy living room of his mother’s flat, the news still fresh on his tongue. “i’ve done it,” he announced, his voice steady but tight with unspoken emotion. “i’ve enlisted.”

his mother glanced up from the kitchen table, her glasses perched low on her nose as she worked on a crossword puzzle. at his words, she set down her pen, her eyes softening with pride. “i’m proud of you, my love,” she said warmly, though a flicker of something unreadable passed over her face—concern, perhaps, or the quiet weight of a mother’s worry.

on the nearby couch, his sister sat upside down, legs draped over the backrest while a glossy magazine rested in her hands. she arched an eyebrow at him, barely looking up from her reading. “really goin’ through with it, huh?” she remarked, her tone teasing but edged with curiosity.

kyle nodded, his chest swelling with a mix of pride and trepidation. “yeah. training starts in a couple of weeks.”

his sister gave a noncommittal hum, flipping a page but glancing at him sideways. “guess we’ll see if you can handle it.”

their mother shot her a look, though her expression softened quickly as she turned back to kyle. “you’ll do great,” she added. “i know you will.”

then, she hesitated for a moment. her warm smile shifted slightly, replaced by a more thoughtful expression. “actually, there’s something i need to tell you,” she said, her tone careful.

“what is it?” he asked, his brow furrowing.

“the debts… they’ve been taken care of.” his mother revealed cautiously, her hands folded in front of her.

kyle blinked, confusion turning to disbelief. “what are you talking about? how?”

his sister shifted awkwardly and sat up, glancing between them before slipping your name. “she paid them,” she admitted.

“she—” kyle’s voice sharpened, his jaw tightening. “she? you’re telling me she went behind my back after i told her not to?!”

his mother’s face hardened, her tone firm as she cut him off. “she didn’t go behind anyone’s back. she came to me, kyle. talked it through like an adult.”

“she didn’t need to—”

“and neither did you!” she shot back, her voice rising. “she didn’t pay it all off and leave us beholden, kyle. we made an agreement. a repayment plan. something i can manage, with no handouts. she insisted on it.”

kyle’s anger faltered, confusion flashing in his eyes. “a repayment plan?”

his mother nodded, her voice softening but still resolute. “she took what you said to heart, kyle. she knew you didn’t want charity. this isn’t about that. it’s about lifting the weight off my shoulders so you wouldn’t go off into the world carrying it.”

kyle took a shaky step back, his mind racing. “she still had no right—”

“don’t you dare say that,” she interrupted, her voice cracking with emotion. “she had every right to care about us. and i agreed to it. i wanted to, because she offered me a way out that didn’t make me feel small.”

kyle’s chest tightened, the anger and frustration warring with the truth of her words. his mother, his proud and strong mother, didn’t look diminished. if anything, she looked relieved—lighter than she had in years.

“i just…” kyle swallowed hard, his hands clenching at his sides. “it’s not how i wanted this to go. i was supposed to take care of it. take care of you.”

“and you are,” she said softly. “you’ve been doing it for years, kyle. more than you should’ve at your age. she just… she gave us a way to breathe. for all of us. and if you’d stop being so stubborn, you’d see that she did it because she cares about you.”

his sister chimed in, her voice teasing but warm. “she’s always cared, you know. you’re just blind.”

kyle scrubbed a hand over his face, his heart pounding. it stung, knowing you’d taken on this burden despite his protests, but it wasn’t charity. it was a gesture—a compromise. one that showed you’d actually listened to his frustrations.

“i need to talk to her,” he muttered, his voice low but determined.

his mother smiled faintly, nodding her head. “that’d be a good start, love. maybe try thanking her this time.”

. . .

in the end, he didn’t get the chance to apologize directly.

you had left for a month-long cruise with your parents shortly after his outburst, and by the time you returned, he had already shipped out for military training. still, the two of you managed to talk it over in your own way. there were no grand gestures or face-to-face conversations, just quiet words exchanged through texts and the occasional call.

for a few years, your connection endured through these messages—fleeting moments stolen between his deployments and your relentless schedule. kyle’s military career kept him constantly on the move, often shrouded in discretion, while your ascent to inheriting your parents’ corporate empire kept you tethered to boardrooms and international flights. every time you made plans to meet, they fell through, derailed by his operational secrecy or your last-minute travel obligations. still, the bond between you remained steady, each exchange a small anchor to the friendship neither of you wanted to lose.

it was his sister however, who finally pushed him to close the gap.

“you’re home for a month,” she said pointedly, older and used to his antics. “you’ve got no excuses this time.”

kyle groaned, rubbing the back of his neck. “it’s not that simple, alright? she’s got her own life now. busy as hell—she probably doesn’t even have time to—”

“stop,” she interrupted with a sharp look. “she’s been asking about you, kyle. she still cares. you’re the one holding back.”

his sister’s words struck a nerve, but they were the push he needed. the next day, armed with a bouquet of your favorite flowers and a box of chicken and chips, he found himself standing outside your upscale apartment building, heart hammering in his chest. the doorman, a wiry older man kyle remembered from his teenage years, gave him a knowing grin.

“been a while,” he said, nodding toward the building. “still carrying things around for her, eh?”

kyle chuckled, though his nerves prickled at the edges. “some things don’t change, mr. vance.”

the doorman smirked. “you're in luck, she should be here any time now. she’s always got a busy schedule.”

kyle was about to respond when the purr of an engine drew his attention. a sleek, unmistakably expensive car rolled up to the curb, its polished surface reflecting the golden hues of the sun. his grip on the bouquet tightened as he saw you step out, radiant in a stunning dress that seemed to catch the light just right.

but what froze him in place wasn’t just how beautiful you looked—it was the man who hurried around to your side, offering his hand as you stepped down.

the stranger, dressed sharply and clearly brimming with confidence, lingered too long in kyle’s eyes, his gaze on you warm and familiar. kyle’s stomach twisted uncomfortably, his earlier rehearsed words evaporating into a mix of uncertainty and irritation.

but it all melted away the moment you spotted him right back.

“kyle!”

your delighted squeal pierced the moment, your face lighting up as if the rest of the world had vanished. you pushed past the stunned man and darted toward him with a speed that startled him, especially on those heels.

the flowers and box of chicken and chips slipped from his hands, forgotten in an instant as he opened his arms just in time to catch you, your momentum lifting your feet off the ground as he spun you in a full, effortless twirl.

his laugh rumbled in his chest as he held you close, the world tilting for a moment as your arms wrapped tightly around his neck. “bloody hell, love,” he murmured, his grin so wide it hurt. “you trying to knock me off my feet?”

“you were too slow!” you teased, pulling back just enough to meet his gaze. your eyes shone with the kind of happiness he’d dreamed about for years, and he couldn’t help the way his hands tightened around your waist, grounding himself in the feel of you in his arms.

the doorman, standing nearby, shooed the sharp-dressed man who had stepped out of the car with you, his tone firm but polite. “sir, if you’d kindly step aside. looks like they’ve got some catching up to do.”

the man opened his mouth to protest, clearly annoyed, but the mr. vance's sharp gaze left no room for argument. With a huff, the man retreated to his car, leaving kyle and you to your long-awaited reunion.

kyle’s eyes never left yours as he gently set you back on your feet, though his hands lingered on your waist. “you look… incredible,” he said, his voice low and slightly awestruck.

you flushed under his gaze, your hands still resting on his shoulders. “you’re one to talk, sergeant,” you replied with a playful smile, your fingers brushing against the edge of his collar. “look at you—beard, broad shoulders, all grown up.”

his ears burned at your teasing, but he chuckled, shaking his head. “i’ve been through a lot since i saw you last, but none of that compares to this.”

“to what?”

“this,” he said simply, his voice softening. “you. here. with me.”

your laughter bubbled up again, and you leaned forward, pressing a warm kiss to his cheek. “i missed you too.”

for him, the years of distance, the unanswered questions, and the lingering “what-ifs” all melted away in that moment. you were here, in his arms, where he’d wanted you to be for so long. and nothing—no doorman, no stranger, no time—could take that from him.

before he could fully process it, you were tugging him towards the building, your words spilling out in an excited rush.

“you’re not going anywhere until you hear about this new art exhibition! you’ll love it—i know it’s exactly your thing. oh, and that restaurant you sent me on insta? i’ll get us some reservation, turns out i know the owner! he goes to my pilates class! and! i know a guy who can get those sneakers you mentioned. you’re going to look amazing in them!”

kyle could do nothing but smile—a big, silly, completely unguarded smile—as he followed you, the flowers and box of chicken now safely in your grasp. you clearly cared very little that they’d been dropped moments ago.

at that moment, nothing else mattered besides the warmth of your presence and the light in your voice. for the first time in years, everything felt exactly as it should.

banner credit

[whimsicalpolitical]

this is for the anon who asked me about writing something about girlie who’s avoiding intimacy and Matty confronts her about it. I accidentally deleted your ask!! sorry, love.

It’s your first time staying over at your boyfriend's. it's nerve wracking for some reason. Maybe because you have all kinds of ideas running through your head about how your night could possibly go.

The thought about possible intimacy is scary, because you're not sure if you're actually prepared. You had set your mind to it on your way to his house; you will be ready if Matty asks to take things further. for his sake..

But, when the time had come, nothing happened. you expected at least something to happen. he's kissed you as per usual, however more than that has not occurred.

Now you’re laying on the couch, watching a movie that you’re not paying any attention to. You’re just focused on the arm that’s draped around you and your strength of not resting your head on Matty’s shoulder.

“What’s going on in that pretty head of yours, love?” Matty’s smooth voice interrupts your thoughts. you clear your throat and shake your head, dismissing your own tendencies to overthink every little thing.

His big hands cover both of yours completely. They’re warm. Nice to hold. The older man lifts your hands up to his lips and kisses your palms. You sigh and finally relax after what feels like hours, "nothing, Matty."

Little did you know that Matty has long noticed what's wrong. You’re easy to read, your body language reveals every little thing you're feeling.

“Alright, can you look at me for a moment?” He asks, turning so his body is facing yours.

You do. You look at him, trying to lie to him that it’s nothing but your shaky hands and flushed cheeks betray you.

“Can we talk?”

“About what?” You ask, fiddling with your hands in his lap. Matty’s gaze drops to them before he looks at your eyes.

“Can I?” He asks, probably the first time if he can take your hands because in your head it’s a common thing to be holding hands.

You nod, “yeah.”

He brings your hands to his lap and brushes soothing circles into the skin with his thumb.

“I’ve noticed that it’s always me who reaches out first, ehm in like connection to touch. You never really touch me unless I do first, d’you know what I mean? I just- did I do something wrong?”

The question hits you harder than you expected, and your throat tightens. You can feel the panic rising, but you try to push it down. “No, Matty… It’s not you. I promise,” you say, your voice trembling slightly.

He squeezes your hand. “Then what is it? You can tell me, whatever it is. I’m here for you.”

You look away, the weight of your past suddenly feeling overwhelming. “I’m just… not ready to talk about it yet,” you admit quietly, struggling to keep your emotions in check. “But it’s not because of you. I just… I have things I need to work through.”

“That’s alright, I understand, s’just, you need to tell me when I can touch you and when not.”

You sigh, “you can always, Matty. I’m just not used to affectionate touching and it’s kind of hard to let the past go just yet.”

“So I can kiss you?”

You smile, “yes.”

Matty’s eyes soften with understanding, and he leans in to kiss your forehead gently.

“Whenever you’re ready, I’ll be here,” he says softly. “We can go at your pace. Just know that you’re safe with me, okay?”

“Thank you.”

“Course, what dickhead would I be if I would ignore your feelings. I would never do something you don’t like and I need you to trust me on this.”

“I am,” you breathe in and exhale deeply bringing your lips to his cheek, “I do trust you.”

“Yeah?” He grins, “that’s good, great actually. Thank you for even bein’ honest with me, I appreciate earnestness.”

You stay close to him but at some point you get overwhelmed and pull back again, “s-sure, I’m sorry it’s-“ you groan.

Matty shushes you, “you’re alright, it’s baby steps. Darling, you gave me a kiss and basically hugged me, no pressure. I’m with you on this.”

You nod, tears stinging your eyes, but you don’t let them fall. For now, it’s enough that he knows something’s there, even if you’re not ready to share it all. And as his arm wraps around you a little tighter, you start to believe that maybe, with time, you can open up to him completely.

[immeasurablesaladagere]

can u write about Wilson gifting lil House his first ever paci n lil House bein a lil hesitant but quickly taking to it n wanting more colorful ones:3

- @tummy-rubs-for-wilson-pup

Here go, sorry it took so long dude! djfhskjdfh so many requests, so little evening hours 🙃

-----

Word Count: 706

Summery: House gets his first pacifier, and while at first he’s hesitant about using it, he slowly warms up to it and wants to get more.

-----

“No. Absolutely not.” House held up the white adult pacifier like it was diseased. He would have felt offended if it wasn’t for the sickeningly earnest look on Wilson’s face.

“Come on. It can’t hurt to try, right?”

“Sure it could. My dignity, for one. I like it, I’d like to keep it.” He put the pacifier back in the box and went to hand it back.

Wilson wouldn’t take it. “Who’s going to judge you? Me? I got it for you, and I don’t care what you do.” He pushed the box back towards him. “Look, you don’t have to use it, just… think about it. I don’t even have to be here when you do! Besides, it was like twenty dollars with shipping, so…” He rubbed his neck sheepishly.

House scoffed. Twenty dollars for this? That was highway robbery. “And for twenty dollars you chose the boring white one? You know what, fine. If it’ll make you feel better about being scammed, I won’t throw this in the dumpster the second you leave the house.”

Wilson smiled. “That’s all I’m asking. Oh, and speaking of leaving the house,” He stood up and grabbed his coat, and suddenly House felt like this whole thing might have been a trap since the beginning. “I’ve got a date tonight.”

“What? With who?” It couldn’t have been anyone in the hospital, he would have seen Wilson making goo-goo eyes at her by now. Had he met someone? But Wilson was a loser who didn’t go anywhere, so when did he have the time for that?

Wilson waggled his finger at him. “Ah-ah, nope. You don’t know anything about her, and it’s going to stay that way.” He grabbed his keys. “Think about it, House. I think it’ll be good for you.”

Then he was gone, and House was left on the couch with the package in his hands. Even though the box was closed, it was like he could see the item inside right through the cardboard. Having an adult pacifier in the first place was already humiliating, and having your friend buy one for you was nothing short of mortifying. And Wilson wanted him to, what? Regress right that second to use the “gift” he didn’t ask for? Yeah, right.

Right.

-

Wilson was just about to get up and check on House, because he’d been silent for over twenty minutes and that was never a good thing, when a laptop was dropped in his lap. A regressed House loomed over his shoulder, white pacifier in his mouth and stuffed cat in hand.

“What’s this?” The browser was opened to two tabs on an online shopping website searching for ‘afullt pavifers’. Wilson raised his eyebrows. It had been just over two weeks since he gifted House his first pacifier, and despite his adamant initial rejection he had taken to it surprisingly quickly. So quickly, he was apparently asking for more.

He clicked through both tabs. The first pacifier was similar to the one he already had, just in black instead of white. The second was also black, but with bright red and orange flames that bore a striking resemblance to the pattern on his cane. Very House choices.

Wilson hummed. “Hm, I don’t know… shipping costs a lot these days, and I recall a certain someone didn’t like these sorts of things.” He teased, “But maybe I could consider it if I heard the magic words?”

House tilted his head and scrunched up his face, before reluctantly lisping “p’ease n’ sthank ‘uo?” From behind the pacifier.

“Well that’s very polite of you, but the words I was looking for were ‘You were right, Wilson! I’m so sorry I ever—‘“ House grabbed the closest throw pillow and whipped it at his head. “Ah! Okay, fine. I suppose I can accept a ‘please’, go grab my wallet.”

In five minutes he was forty dollars— forty whole dollars— poorer and two new pacifiers were on their way. House gave him a grateful bonk on the head with his stuffed cat, then disappeared back to his room without so much as another word. He sighed and tucked his credit card back into his wallet. The things I do for this kid.

[erictmason]

“BOUND FOR FREEDOM, YEAR SIX, DAY TWO: “Scenery”

“Scenery of the Stage (or, Much Ado About Knothole)”

"Ready for your big moment, superstar?"

Sonic gave a playfully exaggerated bow at Sally's comment. "You know me, Sal: I was born ready."

The princess rolled her eyes a bit as she moved closer to the hedgehog at the center of the stage. "If that was true, you wouldn't have to do rehearsals."

"Who says I do?" the hedgehog asked as he stood back up, tapping the script he held in his hand. "Maybe I'm just bein' polite so you don't feel bad."

"Then that would be an impressive little trick, and I would love to run our scene together with just me having a script," Sally replied coolly.

Sonic chuckled a bit. "...yeah, well, maybe tomorrow," he said with mock-swagger.

"Somehow, I thought you'd say that."

Mindful of the scenery pieces around him, Sonic began to pace across the stage a bit. "...outta curiosity, how far have you read into this play Amy's puttin' on anyway?" he asked.

"Oh, all the way through," Sally replied with mock-swagger of her own. "That's my special talent: I actually read the scripts I'm going to be performing."

"Yeah, well, I speed-read mine," Sonic answered ("Naturally," Sally added in a playful whisper), "but I think I got the gist of it."

He pointed to himself. "I'm playin' a dashing debonair hero type, although there's apparently someone else in the play whose name literally IS Hero? But that's not me."

"Thank goodness," Sally chuckled. "I can't imagine how much worse your ego would get if you were literally called Hero."

She did her best not to squeak as Sonic zipped over to her side, now pointing at her. "And you play a lovely lady of Court who's known my character a long time."

"Apparently," Sally offered, "there's nothing they enjoy doing more than having 'witty banter' whenever they see each other."

That got an amused grin out of Sonic. "Oh I know, it's my favorite part of the whole thing! Lets me really put my razor-sharp wit t'work!"

"But only for so long," the princess said, now pointing right back at Sonic. "They do eventually fall in love, you know."

"Sure, sure," Sonic said, leaning back away from Sally's outstretched finger, "but it's not like they'd stop the banter after that point, right? I mean, they've known each other so long, why would they wanna suck all the fun out of their relationship just 'cuz it, like, went official or whatever?"

The two had a little laugh at that, but Sally's ears slowly perked up; Sonic could see in her eyes a thought had just struck her. "...huh," she muttered. "Two long-time friends who slowly realize they're in love while constantly teasing each other...."

At first, Sonic tilted his head in confusion, but it did not take long before his own ears had perked up. "...you don't think Amy was so insistent about us takin' on these roles for any special reason, do ya?"

They looked at each other, then the scripts in their hands, and then back to each other.

"Nahhhhhhhhhhh," they both said, waving each other off.

And yet, as rehearsal began in earnest, they realized just how little they had to change in how they spoke to play their parts.

[twilightmalachite]

Raison d'être - Prologue

Author: Akira

Characters: Shu, Mika

Translator: Mika Enstars

"Congratulations, Pinnochio! It’s great to be human, isn’t it!?"

[Read on my blog for the best viewing experience with Oi~ssu ♪]

Season: Winter

Location: Apartment in France

During ES’ first year of establishment. Mid-March, at the house in Paris Shu is boarding at…

Shu: So, how do I put it? I still feel I am being derided for using a string phone, you see!

Mika: What does “derided” mean again? What a pretty-soundin’ word~. ♪

Shu: So I feel I am being ridiculed, you see! How am I supposed to tell vulgar snobs that way back when I was a student, I had not yet become accustomed to civilization?

Mika: Nnah~, ain’t that a bit different from bein’ looked down on? Doesn’t he just find it amusin’?

Shu: Oh-ho, do you find a difference between the two? You consider the former to be slander and the latter to be well-intentioned?

Mika: I-I don’t really think into it that much…

What's got ya so upset, Oshi-san? Weren’t we just havin’ a fun talk over the rules we have in my room at Starmony Dorms? Just small talk?

Y’know~, how I’d put a put a string telephone out from my room, and my roommate would be thoughtful and say, “Ah, so Kagehira’s talking to his Oshi-san today, huh?”

Shouldn’t ya feel grateful or happy hearin’ somethin’ like that?

Shu: And I resent the fact that a string phone is automatically being associated with me.

I know for a fact that in the minds of those spiteful people back in Japan, I am still nothing but a picky, old-fashioned senior citizen requiring special care.

Hah! The fact they can’t update their personal judgment of me is proof that they are the ones aging!

Mika: That has nothin’ to do with me~? I don’t know what ya want me to say, Oshi-san!

What’s the matter? Did ya have a bad day at university?

Shu: Hmph. Nothing went wrong, it was uneventful and peaceful. Who do you think I am?

Mika: I’m worried ‘cause you’re you, Oshi-san!

Shu: Are you in a position to worry about others? Have you become someone so distinguished?

That’s right!! You are your own person now! You can walk around on your own without me always taking care of you, can’t you?

Congratulations, Pinnochio! It’s great to be human, isn’t it!?

Mika: (Nnah~… Oshi-san really is always irritated~… Whenever I get excited or get in a good mood, Oshi-san seems to get angry in turn.)

(But, what is it he’s really angry at, then? Well, it’s possible it might actually be my fault…)

(I don’t got any clue…)

(I even came all the way to Paris ‘cause Oshi-san told me “I want to take an occasion to talk about the future”, despite bein’ so busy at the end of the school year.)

(Not only did I not get praised, but he started gettin’ all irritated the moment I told him I wanted to continue livin’ at Starmony Dorms fer the next year.)

(I wonder why. I guess it’s not what Oshi-san had in mind fer me?)

(But y’know, Valkyrie basically only has work in Japan, so it’s more efficient to stay in the area.)

(I’m not like Oshi-san, I don’t have anythin’ in particular I wanna study abroad. And I wouldn’t be able t’get into the same university as Oshi-san with a brain like mine.)

(But if I go and say I wanna live with Oshi-san, it’d just be selfish, wouldn’t it?

(I’d end up bein’ a nuisance to those at the house Oshi-san’s boardin’ at, and I wouldn’t have anythin’ to do even if I live here, y’know?)

(It is lonely, but… It’s a pain t’have someone nestle up with ya just ‘cause they’re lonely, right, Oshi-san?)

Shu: Non! How come your hands have stopped moving, Kagehira-kuuun? Have I forgotten to wind up the mainspring?

Mika: Nnaaah, why’re ya callin’ me by “kun”? It makes it feel like we’ve grown apart, it makes me sad!

Shu: It’s about right, isn’t it? Aren’t you always being overly-familiar? Thanks to that, I’ve even misjudged the distance between you and I!

I had been so deluded from that, I even had been preparing a new life for you and everything, in earnest! I’d even bowed my head to the landlady, secured you a room, and even furnished it! Everything was in order, kakaka!

Well, it all was done for naught! I’ve jumped to conclusions and rashly did something so excessive, laugh at my foolishness!

Mika: Nnah~…? I-If it’s what ya want, Oshi-san, I’ll get started on the moving procedures, then?

Shu: No, not necessary! I don’t know what I was doing, take the furniture and everything else I’ve prepared for you back to Japan, sell it, and use that money to fund Valkyrie’s activities!

While you’re at it, take back the work I’ve made in the past year and sell those off too! I’m confident that they’ll be sold for a reasonable price!

Our performance at SS, the war between worlds, was not very satisfactory, after all…

To think I was made to engage in a slapstick we were not accustomed to, if anything our reputations have been tarnished.

In order to wipe away these defects, we shall use the funds from selling everything off to develop a new artistic venture!

Practically, this is no time to get carried away with a new life!

Mika: My bad… I had no idea ya were lookin’ forward to livin’ with me so much, Oshi-san…

Shu: Me!? To what?! What was I looking forward to!?

Don’t go acting too cocky! You know, it’s because of you always leading me on that I’ve misunderstood—

Hm?

Mika: W-What is it? Oshi-san…?

Shu: Stop acting so jittery like you’re some small animal! It’s irritating!

—My phone is going off. Usually the landlady is very considerate to not call me while guests are over… Is it something urgent, perhaps?

Mika: The phone? Ahh, well I’ll be quiet, then~. ♪

(I-If anythin’, this might’ve saved me… This’ll help break up the strange atmosphere.)

Shu: Hello? Why it’s Nii-sama, isn’t that rare. What is it you need?

Yeah, yeah, aren’t you a bother? I’m doing just fine! Hadn’t I asked you to leave me alone? Why is it that you’re—

—…What?

… … …Understood.

Yes… I’ll return home soon.

Mika: W-What is it? That call was from yer big brother, wasn’t it—How come?

Shu: It’s my Grandfather…

Mika: Hm?

Shu: …It appears early this morning, my grandfather passed away.

[ ☆ ]

story directory | next →

[007-nightfire-yakuza-agent]

OOOOOOOOH did you go to Cape Point today !!!!!!! How was it !!!!!!!!!

yes i diddddd holy shit it was amazing it was so beautiful it was my 2nd fave part of the day after the taxi driver who i will talk abt in another post, but yes she took us all around the cape park, i climbed up onto the cape point n a bunch of other bits that were off trail i felt like a little mountain goat scrambling around, im so grateful for my health n my body bein able to carry me so well!! the view from the top was like peaking into heaven, seeing the waves crash against the cape was like nothing else - the ocean is so ALIVE here, foam and spray, we went to a few beaches too and also to that weird 1488 monument, it was all very beautiful, we saw so many baboons and ostriches and... maybe elands or kudus idk the fauna well enough, it was breathtaking.... after there we visited a particularly rocky n rough beach where i climbed up onto the rocks n felt the waves crashing over me and it was so beautiful. everything abt the cape is immense - the landscape, the ocean, the fauna, the weather, the people- it was like the world was more real there than anywhere ive seen before. the whole time i felt close to crying. the taxi driver, such a beautiful soul, seemed so moved by my appreciation of the land, she smiled as i clambered around in earnest. my crew members also are sensitive souls so they allowed me to indulge myself. it was much needed.

[graycats-arcane-blog]

Lightcannon Week, Day 7 Fic!

Prompt: Camping

Title: Take a Hike (chapter 2)

Rating: G

Length: 2.2k words

AO3: link

@lightcannonweek

Synopsis:

Once  they reached the campsite, Vi had some words to share with her sister, and her sister's friend as well.

. . .

“Now that we’ve had a minute to rest, we should start setting up camp,” Vi said. “Jinx, wanna help me pitch the tents while the others collect firewood?”

Jinx tipped her head. “I’ll still be able to help make the fire, right?”

“Yeah, they’ll just be collecting wood now. We’ll do the actual fire-setting once it gets dark.”

“Alright, I’m in!”

Thus, the others traipsed off into the woods, Caitlyn taking Warwick and Lux taking Pom-pom, leaving Vi and Jinx alone with the tents.

Vi upended one of their bags so that several poles, a tent, and a tarp scattered over the ground. “Alright. You find a rock-free spot and smooth the tarp out over it, and I’ll start sticking these poles together.”

“Who’s this tent for?”

“If I tell you it's for Cait’s parents, will you still pick a good spot for it?”

“… I might stick something snake-shaped under it. Just for a joke.”

“Then this tent is for you and Lux. And so is the next one, and the one after that, until Cait’s parents decide which one they’ll steal from you.”

“Aw, you’ve foiled my plans once again!”

Vi chuckled, then set about with her poles.

As she worked, she tried to think of how best to breach the topic of whether Lux was good for Jinx. What could she say that wouldn’t sound like she was being a jerk about Jinx having a friend?

Hey, sis, I noticed how happy you’ve been today and wanted to ask if this high will eventually be followed by such a severe low that you won’t be able to leave your bed for several weeks as you spiral downward.

Nah, that was a bit much.

Hey Jinx, has your therapist had anything to say about your new friend?

No, Jinx had never liked being asked about her therapy appointments.

Lux seems like a really cheerful person. Is that ever hard to handle when you’re in your low moods?

Maybe that was something okay to start with? That statement wouldn’t hit any nerves with Jinx, would it?

Right when Vi was about to tentatively voice her question, Jinx beat her to a conversation starter.

“Hey, Vi… Does having me around for this sort of stuff stress you out?”

Vi stared at Jinx, surprised by the question. “What?”

Jinx only met Vi’s eyes briefly before quickly looking back down at the tarp. “I’m just sayin’, I can cut back on the jokes about pulling mean pranks on Cait’s parents if it stresses you out. You know I don’t mean ‘em, right?”

When it hit her that Jinx was feeling insecure about this, Vi dropped her tent-poles and stepped closer. “Jinx, I know you’ve just been joking. I like your jokes – your pranks, too, as long as they don’t hurt anyone. I’m happy you’re here, really happy. I mean it.”

Vi placed a hand on Jinx’s shoulder, and Jinx met her gaze again. Pulling her lip between her teeth, Jinx chewed it for a moment before saying, “Pom-pom was on your chest earlier. He only does that when someone’s getting stress-swamped. He figures it out with his poro-senses, I guess. I just… I was worried that it was because of me. You bein’ stressed and all.”

"It’s not your fault.” Vi pulled Jinx into a hug. Jinx succumbed easily, melting against Vi and snagging her arms around Vi’s back. The rareness of the vulnerable moment was significant to Vi – there’d been precious few times they’d been able to talk about insecurities since their childhood without one of them saying the wrong think and blasting them off into an argument.

Vi was still afraid to say the wrong thing, but… She owed it to Jinx to return earnestness for earnestness. “So… wanna know what I’m actually stressed about?”

Jinx nodded against her shoulder.

Vi sighed. “I… I’ve never met a close friend of yours before. It’s daunting, seeing you attached to someone, and… I’ve always worried about you, about who you’re with, about whether you’re okay. I’ve got nothing against Lux, she’s been nice all day, and I know you're strong and can take care of yourself, but I just… I see your life changing, and I worry.”

“… I worry a bit when my life changes, too,” Jinx murmured, her voice uncharacteristically soft.

“Yeah?”

“Yeah. I know what I’m like when I pick someone to… uh… To be my person, right? My, uh… My therapist says I have an issue with codependence, and I think she’s probably right.”

“…”

“It’s okay if you agree with the shrink. I promise I won’t snap at you and set all the tents on fire.”

“Heh. Alright, yeah. I know how much you tend to be influenced by whoever’s your favorite person, and I know how much it hurts you if that person makes you feel like you should do dangerous things, or… or if they leave.” Once again, Vi felt guilt creeping into her chest like cold water. “I know I wasn’t the best person for you back when we were kids, and… I know how easy it is to hurt someone, even when you care about them.”

“Yeah. It’s easy to hurt, especially when you’re a young, dumb kid in a shitty situation.”

“Yeah.”

They rested in their hug for a minute of shared comfort, and it eased Vi's nerves to have Jinx so relaxed around her, after everything they'd been through. Eventually, Jinx peered up from their hug. “Uh, by the way… I’m glad you keep inviting me out on family-bonding shit like this. Even though I usually turn ya down. I haven’t felt steady-in-the-brain enough to spend a long time around people for a while, but… I’m getting better. I mean, I think I am. And it helps that I can trust you guys, even the stinky Kirammans. I know there’s people who’ve got my back if everything goes wrong again.”

Vi’s heart softened. “Good. I’m glad you trust us. I’m always gonna be here for you, even if I’m not the best at saying so, okay?”

Jinx rolled her eyes. Stepping out of their hug, she returned to the tarp, smoothing it out over a patch of dandelions. “Yeah, yeah. I’ve got you, and you’ve got me. Behold, the magic of sisterhood!”

Vi snorted. “Behold.”

As they continued setting up the tents, Jinx opened up about some of the habits her therapist had encouraged her to practice so that she wouldn’t “spiral back into a miserable, wailing pit of crippling codependency.” One of those habits had been to keep up with other family and friends, which had been the push for Jinx to say yes to this camping trip. Jinx also told Vi that she was trying to reconnect with Ekko, and that she had an apartment-neighbor named Ziggs who was fun to set off fireworks on the roof with. Vi was especially happy to hear that Lux was supportive of Jinx’s efforts, even giving her reminders when Jinx forgot that she had a meet-up planned.

By the time they’d finished with the tents, the others had returned with a good haul of logs and kindling for the fire. Jinx had run up to Lux upon her reappearance, jumped into her arms, and given her a tight hug.

“That’s enough work for a while!” Jinx announced, still clinging to Lux like a sloth to a tree. “I wanna swim in the pond!”

Finding her company in agreement, Jinx and Lux led the way down to swim off their sweat.

 

 

They spent the next hour at the water. Jinx and Lux initiated a fresh splash-fight, and this time, Vi and Caitlyn joined in. They even did a few chicken fights, taking turns shoving each other into the water. The elder Kiramans dipped their feet into the pond, but stayed dry aside from that, letting the younger generation enjoy their roughhousing. Pom-pom stayed on the shore with the parents while Warwick darted after fish in the shallows.

After swimming, they sunned on towels in the clearing, letting the last of the afternoon's light dry them off. Vi got a kick out of watching her sister melt as Lux massaged sunscreen into her shoulders, practically purring with contentment. Then, Vi had a mini-heart-attack when Lux leaned down to whisper "relax, good girl" into Jinx's ear, and Jinx shivered at the comment. 

... They were really close, huh?

By the time they finished sunning off, sunset colors were bleeding across the dimming sky. Jinx eagerly got to work building their fire, and they shortly had a tall, roaring bonfire that pushed the limits of fire safety. Caitlyn's parents pulled tinfoil wraps of meat and potatoes out of their cooler and set them to rest upon some coals. While these cooked, they also distributed some "mystery meat" sausages to roast on sticks which Jinx had added to their cooler. The flavor of those didn't seem to be to the Kiramman's taste, but it reminded Vi of street food she and Jinx used to get from Jericho's stall when they were kids. Warwick seemed to enjoy the sausages too, and Pom-pom didn't take much coaxing to try one. 

Once the tinfoil-wrapped meals were cooked, they began sharing stories while they ate. Caitlyn told them about an odd case she'd worked on at the precinct, then her father told them an old tale he claimed his grandmother had passed down when he was young. Jinx chipped in next with a funny story about some trouble she and her neighbor Ziggs had gotten into, then Lux rounded the evening out with a spooky story about a cursed graveyard she and her brother had explored back in Demacia. 

Eventually, they began heading off to sleep. The elder Kirammans returned to their tent first, followed by Caitlyn, who pressed a kiss to Vi's cheek before leaving the fire. Jinx, who'd taken a sleep medication with dinner, had been fluttering her eyes when Caitlyn left, and within the next fifteen minutes, her head slumped onto Lux's shoulder, her eyes slid shut, and her mouth went slack. Warwick and Pom-pom were dozing together beside Cait and Vi's tent, leaving Vi and Lux the only awake campers left. 

Vi watched Lux watch Jinx. The blonde woman had a gentle smile on her face as she tenderly tucked Jinx's bangs away from her twitching, ticklish nose. Humming happily in her sleep, Jinx absently nuzzled Lux's shoulder, inspiring her partner's smile to stretch ever-wider. 

They were cute together, and, more importantly, they seemed happy. 

"Jinx seems happy with you," Vi pointed out, her voice lowered soft enough to barely rise over the crackle of the remaining flames. "Happier than she used to be."

Lux glanced up to Vi, her tender smile not abating. "I'm glad I can make her happy," she murmured. "She's made me happy, too."

"What do you like about her?"

Lux didn't need to hesitate before answering, "Her sense of humor, her passion, her thirst for adventure." Tipping her head to the side, she added, "More than anything, I think it's how freeing she is that got my attention. I grew up in a family that asked me to hide parts of myself that weren't proper. Jinx has only ever asked me to be myself. Ever since I met her, I feel like I've met myself now too, and I'm grateful for that in a way that's too big for me to express all at once." She gently pet Jinx's hair. "I love who I am with her at my side, and I..." Lux blushed, her cheeks ruddy in the firelight. She turned her head slightly away, took a breath, and said, "I love her. I hope you don't mind me telling you that."

Vi blinked at Lux, trying and failing to meet the blonde's averted eyes. Vi glanced at Lux's hand resting tenderly on Jinx's hair, then at Jinx's contented face, her cheek smoothed adorably against Lux's shoulder. 

... Yeah. That makes sense.

"She's been through a lot," Vi said earnestly, "and she deserves someone who'll treat her right. It's hard for me to think of anyone who could ever be just right for her, but... You seem to be up for the challenge."

Lux let out a soft laugh, signs of nerves dropping from her face as the corners of her mouth crinkled. "You know," she said, "after everything Jinx told me about how protective you can be, I expected you to give me a shovel-talk as soon as we were alone together. But this has been nice."

Vi sighed. "If you ever hurt her, I think we both know that she'll hash out her own punishment with a blowtorch and fireworks before I can get a punch in edgewise. But, yeah, she's got people at her back, so if you hurt her, one way or another, you're toast."

"I'm glad she has people who'll take care of her like that, whether she feels like she needs it or not."

Vi grinned at her, straightening up. "I'm glad the number of people keeps growing," she said earnestly. "Welcome to the we-care-about-Jinx club, Lux."

Lux smiled. "I'm honored to be a part of it."

[toujokaname]

Card shuffle / Episode 12

Author: Akira

Characters: Hiiro, Aira, Tatsumi, Mayoi, HiMERU, Kohaku, Rinne, Niki

"One may not feel too flattered to be likened to an existence he thinks so little of."

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[ Read on my site for a better viewing experience using Ois~su ♪ ]

Season: Winter

Location: Café Cinnamon

That night. At the venue for the post-Matrix match gathering, Cafe Cinnamon in the ES building.

Hiiro: Great job today, everyone!

It feels nice to start off the first match with a victory!

Aira: ...How can you smile like that, Hiro-kun?

Using a despicable trick to ensnare your old home, ALKALOID, and being so proud of your victory... In the end, a scumbag's little brother must also be a scumbag...

Hiiro: Please don't call me a scumbag. I can try to accept abuse in stride, but it hurts when people I love call me names.

Aira: If you don't wanna be called names, fight fair. What even was that stunt at noon? I feel like I'm gonna be mildly traumatized.

Tatsumi: Indeed. I fear I'm losing trust in humanity...

Aira: From now on, if Hiro-kun gets all smiley and chatty, let's doubt it and say, "This might be a lie. We could be deceived again."

Mayoi: Uuuu, even though it pained me to be deceived by a smiling Hiiro-san, I also felt a strange thrill out of iiit!

Mayoi: Aah, please toy with me even moreee...!

Aira: You left Mayo-san delirious with shock...

HiMERU: —Fufu. Please don't blame Hiiro-san too much.

Kohaku: That's right. Hiiro-han gave it his all to help us win. And he willingly took on the role of a villain.

There's no such thing as cowardice in this kinda competition.

So instead of bein' defiant and tryna laugh it off, he's goin' out of his way to explain the truth, even treatin' y'all to dinner as an apology.

He's an admirable guy. I wish a certain scoundrel who tramples on others, never says sorry, and just laughs at 'em could take a page from his book.

Rinne: You mean Niki~? You gotta reflect now, huh?

Niki: Eh?! The bullet that was fired at Rinne-kun somehow hit me directly?!

Rinne: Heheh... I'm not saying this just 'cause I'm his big bro, but you should do better than just blaming him.

On the first day, in the first match, Otouto-kun completely took charge of the "vocal ability" showdown. As the leader, he brought victory to himself and his unit.

That's something that should be appreciated up front. It's a good thing for an idol to show off his presence in a program like this—to play a prominent role.

It's amazin'. Onii-chan's impressed. You sure have grown, Otouto-kun.

Hiiro: I-I feel weird when Nii-san honestly praises me. Usually, he doesn't appreciate what I do at all...

Rinne: Really? Ain't I always calling you "good boy, good boy"?

Hiiro: Nii-san's "good boy" has a sort of... connotation behind it...

Tatsumi: Fufu. In reality, Rinne-san doesn't seem to find much value in being a good kid.

One may not feel too flattered to be likened to an existence he thinks so little of.

HiMERU: You speak as if you understand him, Tatsumi.

Tatsumi: Fufu. Although our relationship is still shallow and brief, we are comrades who have spent the same amount of time together—at least, we are now.

Rinne: Well, actually... ♪

Tatsumi: ...?

Rinne: Here, I've got some disappointing news for y'all.

Kohaku: What's this about...? You fixin' to start spoutin' nonsense again?

Rinne: Well, for ALKALOID, that is. Don't worry, you guys won't be harmed. Might even work out in your favor, Kohaku-chan ♪

Kohaku: ...?

Rinne: Today, our Otouto-kun told a bold lie that didn't suit his character.

But he's always been an earnest good boy... He's not used to lying. Not as good as me, a real liar.

Hiiro: ? What do you mean by that, Nii-san...?

Rinne: Remember, Otouto-kun. There's a saying that goes, "To fool your enemies, you must first fool your friends."

This time, you only fooled the enemy.

Usually, Crazy:B's always finding fault with every little thing, buzzing around with their complaints, yet they didn't say a thing—

This means that Otouto-kun explained this ruse to his Crazy:B buddies and got their consent.

Niki: Yeah... Otouto-san proposed this strategy, and we agreed 'cause it seemed like we could win with it.

HiMERU: The truth is, it was ambiguous whether we could win in a real fight or not. ALKALOID and Crazy:B have about the same number of fans and popularity.

The number of respective fans gathered at the venue for this match was also almost the same.

Kohaku: Yeah. So, if we'd used the same tactics as ALKALOID, that is, if we'd stuck to bein' just the real Crazy:B members without mixin' in the odd one out—

We can't rightly say who'd have come out on top in today's match.

HiMERU: Indeed. But by adopting Hiiro-san's strategy, while the same strategy won't work twice, it would certainly win the day.

Moreover, by saving three players, the subsequent match will have an overwhelming advantage. It was an impeccable and wonderful plan.

Kohaku: Yeah. That's why we got on board with it. I gotta say, it was hard not to laugh when I saw Rabu-han and the others gettin' duped on stage ♪

Aira: T-That's so cruel, Kohakucchi.

Kohaku: Sorry. But I ain't as innocent as you expect me to be, either, Rabu-han.

Rinne: —Right. Otouto-kun's strategy this time was perfect.

But it won't cut it. Nah, compared to his Onii-chan, it's still too tame.

You've always been a serious, good kid who listened to his parents. Never pulled any pranks, always quietly did as you were told in your studies, your training, your work.

Even if that honor roll student suddenly tries to play the delinquent, it ain't fooling anyone ♪

Hiiro: Just what are you trying to say, Nii-san?

Rinne: Alright. You'll know sooner or later, so I'll spill the beans now.

This time, Crazy:B and ALKALOID swapped their leaders.

Thanks to that, it seems like you're being coerced into wearing unfamiliar clothes, and struggling through it, buuut.

—Actually, that's a lie.

Aira: H-Huuuh? What do you mean it's a lie?

Rinne: You heard me. There was never a leadership swap.

Aira: Um... Whaa...?

[ ☆ ]

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[valentine-writes]

be a valentino, just for you

[ tws + notes: no tws, fluff, what if i told u reader had that DAWG in em, ur jus a lil charmer! ]

↳ ft. the glamrocks + sundrop/sun & moondrop/moon

「 gn! reader, can be platonic or romantic <3 」

author's note: reader flirting w/ the animatronics. unparalleled charisma. look at you go u flirt!!!!!! (*´꒳`*) unedited and still Not Serious becuz i like goofin off <;3 i had to search up "cute pick up lines" for this. thoroughly embarrassed but. shhh. we stay silly :3 also why are u rizzin up tha robots?!!.??, /lh

GLAMROCK CHICA headcanons:

▸ she's completely unphased im gonna b real w/ u,,,, if ur goal was 2 fluster her u failed!!! i am sorry!!!! :(

▸ her reaction isn't really to get all blushy and shy– itz to giggle and tell you how absolutely adorable u are!! shez all like "oh my gosh u rly are jus the sweetest!!" as u try desperately to convey how u feel,,, i dont think she's oblivious!! jus that she's more casual abt this kinda stuff

▸ loveeesss cheesy pickup lines tho. she'll be thinking abt it all day if u decide to use one on her. mainly becuz she thinks they r silly and adorbz (LIKE YOU!!!!)

▸ if you use pickup lines often w/ her, eventually, she's gonna wanna do the same!!

unexpectedly one day she just goes "wait! wait wait, i got one for you too– ahem... i think i need to go to parts and services to fix my eyes– i can't seem to take them off of you!"

more hcs under the cut!!

GLAMROCK FREDDY headcanons:

▸ letz get this straight. this guy is a professional. he will very nicely and gently pretend to not notice your comments if you decide to flirt when he's doin his job. he is desperately trying not to have reaction

▸ however– if you guys are alone, if the plex has closed, etc, etc– bro. you got him blushing and giggling and shii,,, i think itz a little funnee :] u jus catch him off guard all the time with it.

▸ "i'm very flattered you'd say that" all while overheating. he may collapse. please spare his heart. he has not even the slightest idea on how to react to your charm

▸ really, he does find it endearing and enjoys how bold you are. he just can't seem to find a way to react other than luvstruck!!!! u got him wrapped around ur finger

ROXANNE WOLF headcanons:

▸ ok this goes two wayz. she scoffs at you and goes "yeah ofc u love me" OR.,,...,.. she gets all flustered and nervous

▸ i feel like the first few times you flirted w/ her, she managed to played it off cool. maybe a cocky remark, a little smirk, brushes it off– no big deal to her at all!!!

▸ hah. wrong. you've got her in her charging chamber thinking abt the thingz you've told her. animatronic equivalent of lying awake in bed Thinking,,,, when she realizes ur Genuine abt ur feelings... she jus,, like,.,. EXPOLIDOEJEODKEKZ

▸ that iz when she getz all shy!!!! like "ok, ok, shut up..." and shes looking away all nervy. always secretly worried ur jus messing w/ her– but reassure her otherwise in a genuine manner and she's. well. probably short circuiting.

give her a bit. she'll be able to communicate her feelings eventually (´u｀;) ?

MONTGOMERY GATOR headcanons:

▸ trust u were NOT tha first one 2 flirt if u caught his eye like that,,, maybe he's a little more subtle in the start. but the minute u pick up the clues and flirt back?? he iz so Caught Offguard

▸ HEZ USED TO BEING THE ONE WHO FLIRTS. NOT THE ONE WHO GETS FLIRTED WITH. he winks at you, you shoot one back– he freezes and immediately Walks Away like ok,,, no confronting the Feelings just felt there ig,.,..,

▸ your charisma has him shaken. he's considerably good at keeping calm abt ur little exchanges until he's alone in his green room thinking abt what you've said,,, wondering if u were bein earnest

▸ i feel like he often uses flirting as a way of like,, disguising his feelings as jus goofing off but,, once you two are Finally done beating around the bush w/ each other i fear you two would become insufferable to anyone else who is in the same room as you /j he getz a lot more emotionally open 2 u ^_^

SUN headcanons:

▸ if he already didn't know what to do with himeself and his feeling towards u,,, he iz DOUBLE confused now. never quite knows how to react to you.

▸ of course NEVER when he's working. no. nuh uh. but if it's jus the two of you and you decide to flirt,,, hhhnnghehehdb,,,, he iz jus SWOONING. heads over heels for REALSIES. will have his faceplate spinning as he giggles, thinking abt you and what u say

▸ i think he'd actually burst into tears if u were jus messin w/ him. just. instant sobbing on the ground. he's never met anyone with such a captivating personality– nor has he actually ever been flirted with

▸ always wishes he was jus as smooth as you. tries to flirt back but messes up the delivery and ends up making a fool outta himself A FOOL FOR YOU

MOON headcanons:

▸ makes you stand in the corner to reflect on your actions. i wanna say slash jay,,, but. well. anyways..

▸ moon does not do well with this. not at all. will tell you to knock it off or just shush you. he acts like he doesn't got time 4 ur antics he does and acts like if you stopped he wouldn't care he,,, might??.,..,. no one is ever this friendly or nice to him,,

▸ eventually, he just seems to ignore ur flirtatious actions and words completely. he's definitely not Unfazed though,,.,.. it'll be thinking of whether u really mean what you've been tellin him. worried to make a fool of himself LIKE SUN so it's easier for him to assume ur jus kiddin around

▸ if you ever choose to look him in the eye and tell him that you sincerely mean everything u say though?? yeah he's. he's gonna need a moment. terrible at processing Every Emotion He'll Start To Feel if that happens

[eartheats]

[a rotomblr live pops up from ren's account! it seems very intentionally set up, though the first shot you get is a closeup of ren's face]

🔆: --Ohh, it's working! [ren steps back, flashing a peace sign at the camera; the background is overlooking the cascarrafa gym arena, and ren's rotom phone is quick on the draw of blurring out any of the faces in the crowd besides ren's own, and kofu's in the background] So, um, just double checking--you're still okay with this, right Mr. Kofu?

[kofu responds with a warm laugh, clapping his hands delightedly]

🦀: 'Course I am, kid! Thanks fer bein' such a good sport either way, but I kin say I don't got any problem with goin' on the big screen!

[ren turns around to kofu, bowing their head and then jumping up and pumping their fists]

🔆: Thank you so so so much! I appreciate it a lot, sir! It's been a long time since me and my partner has battled like this...but we're gonna do our very best! Ain't we, Lulu?

🪱: Orth!!

[Lulu pops up easily into the shot, smiling into the camera before taking his place onto the field; Kofu's Veluza follows soon after, and the battle begins!]

🔆: Alright, Lulu! Let's show 'em all we got! [...ignore how ren keeps fidgetting with their sleeve, they are SO nervous--] Go for Heavy Slam, to start!

[Lulu's off like a shot once the battle begins in earnest, and Kofu's Veluza responds in kind; Lulu slams his whole body into the Veluza as hard as he can, but the fish still holds strong!]

🦀: Not a bad start! Veluza, give 'im a servin' of Aqua Cutter fer his trouble!

[It doesn't take long for the Veluza to fire back, sending sharp, watery slashes Lulu's way; it manages to knock him back, but if the loud roar that Lulu gives is any indication, he's enthusiastic for a fight!]

🔆: Keep holdin' steady Lulu--let's give him an Earthquake!

[Lulu rushes into action at that, leaping into the air to slam the Veluza to the ground, leaving a rather impressive impact on the ground--and a fainted Veluza in it's wake.]

🔆: Yeah!! [Ren's fists pump in the air] Let's go Lulu, you show 'em!

🦀: Not bad, not bad! I kin see you raised this feller to be quite strong! Let's see if ya can keep it up--Wugtrio, yer up next!

[kofu sends out his next Pokemon easily, and ren's almost ready to start giving the order again--but something happens in the background, something that startles everyone, and the camera focuses in on a very enthusiastic roselia attempting to step in--]

🦀: Well now, who's this?

🔆: Bouton!! What are you doin'?! [ren rushes over to the roselia, who seems none too perturbed as the camera focuses on him] Come on, buddy, you can't just come out willy-nilly here. I thought I told ya that.

🌹: Roselia!

[bouton seems none too perturbed even still, and looks out to the battlefield and to lulu for a moment--before walking right up to and past lulu, using one of his roses to push him out of the way. ineffectively, of course, but still prompting surprise from the orthworm--]

🪱: Orth??

🔆: --I'm with Lulu here, what? [ren looks over at the roselia, who stands resolute on the battlefield] You can't be serious, you can't just waltz into battle, that's not--I don't--

[as if on cue, kofu's laughter breaks through the rather anxiety inducing situation on ren's end, prompting them to look over to him]

🦀: Well, ain't this a feisty little fella! You think you can handle what ol' Kofu's cookin'?

[bouton looks over, past ren and to kofu, and responds with an affirmative nod--he's ready! he was born ready for this! ...okay not quite, but he's got the spirit--]

🦀: Well? What say you, kid? [kofu looks to ren, who seems a little concerned] I think yer lil friend here wants to show you what he's made of. Why not give 'im a chance?

[ren seems to contemplate this for a moment, considering...they look to the determined gaze that bouton gives them. there's a fire in his eyes they've never seen...and well...]

🔆: ...Alright, Bouton. You win--but if things start gettin' hairy, you gotta get out, okay? Promise?

🌹: Rose, rose! [bouton jumps up a bit, cheerily, before lulu slinks back and lets bouton take the stage]

🔆: Alright, Bouton! Let's show 'em what for!

[bouton seems to be born ready for this; kofu laughs, and he starts the battle off by commanding wugtrio to use mud slap--an attack that gets bouton dirty more than anything, but he seems content to take the battle in his own hands while ren fidgets with their pokedex and tries to find what moves bouton knows, he seems to...multiply? ren's eyes widen in seeming recognition]

🔆: When'd ya learn Double Team you lil'...?! [ren pauses a bit, shaking their head--they watch as wugtrio starts missing and missing those mud slaps as bouton continues to use the same move, more surprised than anything. bouton's holding his own surprisingly well] --Alright, I got it! Bouton--hope I got this right, but--use Magical Leaf!

[bouton looks to ren, getting hit with a mud slap in the process and getting knocked to the ground--before ren can worry, though, beautiful looking leaves come out of bouton's roses, and they fly at wugtrio with precision and ease. enough so that the wugtrio faints immediately, shocking everyone in attendance]

🔆: You've just been gettin' stronger when I haven't been lookin'...!

[as if on cue, kofu laughs a bit, heartily and proudly]

🦀: That was amazin'! Yer lil buddy really showed his stuff, huh? [kofu brings out his last poke ball, though, and his tera orb comes soon after] But you better be prepared--the tide's comin' in, and yer gonna get swept up if you ain't careful!

[bouton looks up at that, seeming a little more uncertain about this now--it's then that ren smiles, whistling for him to come back. lulu even gives bouton a high five as they swap positions, and he looks so proud]

🔆: Alright, you did real darn good, Bouton. But it's time for you to rest--'cause I'm not goin' down without a fight!

[kofu chuckles, sending out crabominable to the field in an instant--lulu in kind takes the field, and it's not too long before kofu and ren both terastalize their pokemon. crabominable turns into a water type, and lulu goes ghost, and the two clash in a flurry of crabhammers and heavy slams--both of them are quite lumbering, but lulu's more than tough enough to take all of crabominable's hits, and crabominable takes the blows well in kind. in a tense standoff of a moment, two of their blows clash harshly on the field--they struggle, seeing who breaks their focus first...

while it seems like lulu is the first to break it, it's a fake out--one that leaves crabominable wide open.]

🔆: Now, Lulu, finish it! Earthquake!

[and in an instant, lulu winds up taking crabominable's arm--and with a startling amount of ease, lulu grabs his opponent by one of his arms, briefly lifting the other pokemon into the air by the arm and swinging it around--

before slamming it into the ground, crabominable fainting in defeat.

there's a brief moment of quiet, a brief moment where the camera focuses on ren's face--before they start to cry tears of joy, and the crowd roars with cheers aplenty. kofu's voice eventually joins the cheers, and the rotomblr live ends.

THANKS FOR WATCHING.]